Page 9 of Real Shadows
I trusted Karla, though. And I had to accept that if she says this guy is trustworthy, well then, he must be. But what about his wife? Did he have a wife? Kids? I’m entrusting my life to a complete stranger and that’s probably just as frightening as living in fear of someone coming for me.
I said the only thing I could say. “Thanks, Karla. That sounds good.”
Her smile remained. “I’ll let you get settled,” she replied as she walked out of the room.
Ironic words considering that I didn’t think I’d ever feel settled.
Chapter 6
Xander~
Icut off the engine after pulling up to the curb in front of Trevor’s house and, again, I swore a blue streak for even showing up.
It’s been a shitty day and, sitting here, I realized I didn’t really want to do this.
I mulled over everything Karla had said, but at the end of it all, I’d be tying myself to a complete stranger financially. Even if she did pay for everything, I would still be taking responsibility for someone who was embroiled in some seriously heavy drama. And after a supplier trying to fuck me earlier today, that didn’t sound enticingat all. The love of money was the root of all evil for a reason.
Not to mention, if I did this, what would happen if I did meet someone I wanted to get serious with? What then? How would I explain this crazy situation?
I took a deep breath and steeled myself for the conversation I promised to have. I gave Karla my word that I would hear her friend out and really give this proposition some serious thought. And I would.I have.It’s all I’ve been thinking about. However, I still couldn’t shake the twinge in my gut telling me that I shouldn’t get involved in this mess. My instincts were telling me not to borrow trouble when I didn’t need to. I had a great life. Why would I risk fucking it up for a complete stranger?
I got out of my truck, click the key fob to lock it, and made my way up the walkway to the front door. I’ve been here a million times. But, right now, I felt like a formal guest. I felt like I was here officially, and the feeling left a lot to be desired.
I rang the doorbell and waited until Trevor or Karla answered. A few seconds later, Trevor was opening the door, and that told me they were already in there waiting on me.
Trevor smiled. “Hey, man.”
I gave him a quick nod. “Hey,” I greeted back.
I watched as his eyes sliced to the side and he closed the door tighter behind him before facing me and saying, “Look, Xander, before we go in there, I just want you to know that there will be no hard feelings if you say no to this.”
I wasn’t too sure about that, but I nodded anyway. I knew Trevor wouldn’t hold it against me, but I wasn’t too sure about Karla. “Okay. Sure, man.”
He grimaced a bit before opening the door all the way and stepping aside, so I could enter. “We’re all in the back,” he said. “On the deck.”
Since I knew my way around, I didn’t bother with letting Trevor lead the way. I just started walking towards the back of the house and he followed. Once we got to the sliding glass door that led out onto the decking, I slid the door open and the two women immediately stood up from their chairs.
Karla smiled at me and walked over, engulfing me in a hug. “Hey, Xander,” she greeted. “Glad you came.”
Hugging her back, I leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Hey, Kar,” I replied.
She stepped back and reached over to pull her friend next to her. Looking back and forth between us, Karla made the introductions. “Xander Raynes, I’d like you to meet my very good friend, Fallon Reese.” She reached behind Fallon and rubbed her back. “Fallon Reese, I’d like you to meet Xander Raynes. He’s Trevor’s best friend and my friend, as well.”
Fallon’s arm shot out as she reached over to shake my hand. “Hello, Mr. Raynes,” she said. “It’s nice to meet you.”
I understood why we were here, but I wouldn’t be a man if I didn’t notice how attractive Fallon Reese was. She stood about five-foot-five-inches and, from what I could tell with her clothes on, she seemed to be perfectly proportioned to fit her frame. She didn’t have over-exaggerated tits or ass. She had a delicate hourglass figure that boasted of anatomical perfection.
However, her stature was the only thing ordinary about her. Her fucking face was stunning. She had ink-black hair and ice-colored eyes. They danced back and forth between light blue and grey. They were framed by dark-as-night lashes, and they sat underneath a perfectly plucked set of brows. She had a delicate nose that sat perfect between two rosy cheeks, and her lips were evenly plump. There was no denying that Fallon Reese was beautiful, if a little tired looking.
I took her hand in mine and her small hand was immediately swallowed whole by my hold. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you,” I repeated. “And you can call me Xander.”
She pulled her hand out of my grip and I felt a quick stab of irritation, but I ignored it as she said, “In that case, you may call me Fallon if you don’t think it will interfere with…uh, business.”
My irritation inexplicably spiked at her choice of words. “I-”
“Why don’t we all sit down,” Trevor suggested, cutting me off. “Do you want something to drink?”
I glanced over at him as the girls returned to their seats. “Yeah,” I answered. “A beer. Whatever you got.” He nodded and went back into the house as I turned to eye which seat I was going to take. I opted to sit next to Karla, directly across from Fallon, so I could read her face as we spoke. I needed to absorb as much as I could about the woman and her situation.
